Dushan John Zobenica was born on July 13, 1927 in Franklin, Ohio to John and Vatie Zobenica, Serbian immigrants.

Pvt. Zobenica was inducted into the U.S. Army at Fort Hayes, Ohio on June 28, 1946, and given Army serial #45047698. He was separated at Stoneman, California on July 13, 1947, as a Private First Class. Zobenica was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon and the Army of Occupation Medal-Japan during his time in the Army.

Missing the camaraderie of the military, Zobenica returned to military service, this time entering active service with the United States Marine Corps in Jacksonville, Florida on April 1, 1948.

After completing Marine boot camp, Pvt. Zobenica found himself stationed at Marine Barracks (MB), Naval Operating Base, Kwajalein, Marshall Islands. Other duty stations throughout his career included, MB, US Naval Station (USNS) Treasure Island, Calif.; A Co., 1st Battalion (BN), 6th Marines, 2nd Marine Division, Camp Lejeune, NC; embarkation on USS Sanborn; 1st Provisional Casualty Co., Fleet Marine Force (FMF), Camp Fisher, Kyoto Post Command, Japan; Co G, 3rd BN, 7th Mar, 1st MarDiv (REIN), Korea; MB USNS Subic Bay, Republic of Philippines; MB Naval Base (NB) Philadephia, PA, and Headquarters & Service (H&S) Co., 1st Infantry Training Regiment, MCB Camp Lejeune, NC.

During his Marine Corps career, Zobenica saw combat duty in both Korea and Vietnam. He was awarded the Silver Star and Purple Heart medals while serving in Korea, and the Bronze Star Medal from his Vietnam combat service. Other medals and decorations included the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, four Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal and the Navy Occupation Service Medal.

He was awarded a Silver Star for his service in Korea in February 1953. The following citation tells of his heroic gallantry:

The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Dushan J. Zobenica (MCSN: 670217), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity while serving as a Rescue Patrol Leader of Company G, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), in action against enemy aggressor forces in Korea on 1 February 1953. When a friendly combat patrol, which was operating far forward of the main line of resistance, sustained numerous casualties after its position was subjected to an intense hostile mortar and artillery barrage during the early morning hours, Staff Sergeant Zobenica dauntlessly proceeded forward with a rescue and assistance group in the face of the increasing enemy barrage to aid the wounded members of the stricken unit. Arriving at the scene of battle which was being swept by murderous hostile small arms fire, he bravely moved about the area, directing the efficient and expeditious evacuation of the casualties. With grim determination, he remained in the perilous position until assured that all his men had withdrawn, and then made his way to a friendly outpost position where he skillfully directed deadly accurate fire upon the enemy. Although painfully wounded during the initial phase of the action, he steadfastly refused medical attention and persisted in his heroic efforts. With the enemy making numerous attempts throughout the night to overrun the vital outpost, he swiftly and adeptly reorganized his forces and succeeded in repulsing the hostile attacks, inflicting heavy casualties upon the enemy. Not until ordered to return to the main line of resistance did he leave his position. By his indomitable courage, inspiring leadership and gallant devotion to duty, Staff Sergeant Zobenica was directly responsible for the saving of many lives and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Zobenica was also awarded the Bronze Star with Combat V for his action while serving in Vietnam.

The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the BRONZE STAR MEDAL to
SERGEANT MAJOR DUSHAN J. ZOBENICA
UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

For service set forth in the following CITATION:

For meritorious service in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam while serving with the Third Battalion, Seventh Marines, First Marine Division from 16 September 1969 to 5 September 1970. Throughout this period, Sergeant Major Zobenica performed his demanding duties in an exemplary and highly professional manner. Initially assigned as Company First Sergeant of Headquarters and Service Company, he was instrumental in molding his large unit into an extremely effective support element capable of expeditiously accomplishing even the most difficult assignments. Reassigned as Sergeant Major of the Third Battalion on 10 December, Sergeant Major Zobenica skillfully supervised and coordinated the activities of the staff noncommissioned officers and ensured consistently outstanding administrative support for Battalion Headquarters. A perceptive and widely-experienced Marine of impeccable character, he resolved many morale and disciplinary problems and through active participation in leadership council meetings, greatly enhanced the status of human relations with the Battalion. Participating in numerous combat operations, he repeatedly disregarded his own safety to maintain liaison between forward and rear echelons and to provide guidance or assistance where ever needed. In addition, Sergeant Major Zobenica indoctrinated newly assigned personnel in the Battalion’s missions, monitored assignments to ensure maximum employment of specialized skills and training, and continually aided those Marines burdened with resourcefulness earned the respect and admiration of all who served with him and contributed significantly to the accomplishment of his unit’s mission. Sergeant Major Zobenica’s leadership, superb professionalism, and steadfast devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service.

The Combat Distinguishing Device is authorized.

FOR THE PRESIDENT

William K. Jones
Lieutenant General, U.S. Marine Corps
Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific

He completed his illustrious career as a Sergeant Major after 25 years and two months of active service in the Marine Corps.

After his retirement, Sgt Maj. Dushan J. Zobenic lived the rest of his life in Tipton County. He died on July 17, 2013 at the age of 86 and is buried at Indian Creek Cem., in Brighton, Tenn.